New Delhi, 8 July: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the demise of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He said Abe was a remarkable administrator, an outstanding leader and a towering global statesman.
Modi recalled the bond the two leaders shared and said, he was friends with Abe since his tenure of Gujarat Chief Minister and Abe’s sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on him.
In a series of tweet, Modi expressed his thoughts on the passing away of one of his “dearest friends”. Modi tweeted, “During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Abe again and discuss many issues. He was witty and insightful as always. Little did I know that this would be our last meeting. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Japanese people.”
Modi further acknowledged Abe’s “immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership”. He said India mourns with Japan and stands in solidarity with the Japanese brothers and sisters in this time of difficulty.
Prime Minister of India also announced a day’s mourning to be observed on July 9, 2022, as “a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo”.
Modi shared a picture from his latest meeting with dear friend Shinzo Abe in Tokyo when Abe had taken over as Chairman of the Japan-India Association. He said that Abe was always passionate about strengthening India-Japan ties.
